5 Ways to Prep Before Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery can be serious, painful and take some time to recover from. However, any doctor will tell you that proper preparation is key to a speedy recovery. To that end, here are 5 ways you can prep for orthopedic surgery.

1. Ask whatever questions you needed answered

Remember, your doctor and the rest of the surgical team is there to heal you. A high quality medical professional will absolutely be willing to put your mind at ease and answer any questions you may have. You may be nervous and stressed before your surgery, which is why WebMD recommends that you write down all of your questions in advance.

2. Exercise - as long as you get the okay from your doctor

According to the Cleveland Clinic, exercise can help improve your strength, enhance your range of motion and build endurance. You may even be able to exercise right up until the day before your surgery. However - and this is very important - make sure you ask your doctor about any potential physical restrictions, and whether or not exercise before your surgery is appropriate. The last thing you need is to injure yourself before the operation!

3. Monitor your diet before the surgery

A light dinner on the day before your surgery is probably your best bet, and make sure to go easy on the sodium, just in case you are not supposed to drink the next day. However, if you have specific nutritional needs, like diabetes, make sure you address these concerns with your doctor.

4. Double check your financial arrangements

The last thing you need to worry about as you are being wheeled into the operating room is whether or not your insurance covers the procedure you are about to have! The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that you confirm your insurance coverage is in order and that everyone involved in your operation are are in your insurance network.

5. Understand your anesthesia

It is highly advisable that you double check what type of anesthesia you will have for the operation. For example, will it be local (meaning specific to the part of your body you are having operated on) or general (you'll be unconscious for the entire operation). How long will you be under? Have you ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia? Make sure you know the answers to these questions, and ask your Doctor about any potential issue.

Orthopedic surgery can be scary. However, proper preparation can ensure that you protect yourself. Adhering to these five tips can go a long way to minimizing your risks and pain.

Tom James,